• Australian Endodontic Specialists

Regenerative Endodontic Procedures

Helping the root keep developing

Regenerative endodontics is a treatment for immature permanent teeth, where the root has not finished forming, after the pulp inside the tooth has been damaged by an injury, or by deep decay and infection. Rather than simply filling the root canal, the treatment aims to let the root keep developing. It is carried out at our Norwest practice by Dr Varayini Yoganathan, a specialist endodontist.

Book consultation Call 02 9680 4311
  • Immature permanent teeth
  • Usually two visits
  • Local anaesthetic

Who is regenerative endodontics for?

Regenerative endodontics is only suitable for immature permanent teeth, where the end of the root is still open. It is not suitable for teeth that have finished developing.

These teeth are most often found in children and teenagers, but suitability depends on how far the tooth’s root has developed rather than on age alone. Dr Varayini confirms this with an x-ray and, where needed, 3D (CBCT) imaging.

Signs your child’s tooth needs an assessment

After an injury to a permanent tooth, or if it has deep decay, book an assessment if you notice:

  • The tooth turning dark, grey or pink
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
  • A small pimple-like bump on the gum above the tooth
  • Swelling or tenderness in the gum around the tooth

These signs can mean the pulp inside the tooth has been damaged.

How regenerative endodontic treatment works

A young permanent tooth has thin root walls and an open root end. If the pulp is damaged before the root has finished forming, the root stops developing and the tooth can be left weaker.

The traditional treatment, apexification, places a seal at the open root end so the tooth can be kept, but the root does not continue to develop. Regenerative endodontics takes a different approach. Once the root canal has been disinfected, a small amount of bleeding is encouraged from the tissue just beyond the root end. This forms a clot inside the canal, which acts as a framework for new tissue to grow into. The aim is for the root walls to keep thickening and the root end to keep closing over time.

What to expect

Treatment usually takes two appointments a few weeks apart. Every case is different, so Dr Varayini may plan more or fewer visits depending on the tooth.

First appointment

Dr Varayini assesses the tooth and takes imaging. Under local anaesthetic, she cleans and disinfects the root canal, places a medication inside the tooth and seals it with a temporary filling.

Second appointment

A few weeks later, once the infection has settled, the tooth is numbed again. The medication is removed, bleeding is encouraged into the canal, and the tooth is sealed with a protective material and a permanent seal on top.

Review appointments

We see your child for check-ups and x-rays over the next one to two years to monitor how the root is developing.

Keeping your child comfortable

Treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. Your child may feel some pressure, and Dr Varayini explains each step before she does it and checks in with them throughout. Parents are welcome to stay in the room.

Aftercare

Some mild tenderness for a few days is common. Pain relief suitable for your child’s age, taken as directed on the packet, usually helps. We recommend soft foods for the first few days, and avoiding sport or activities that could knock the tooth for at least two weeks while it heals.

Call us on 02 9680 4311 if your child has:

  • Pain that is not controlled by over-the-counter pain relief
  • New swelling in the gum, cheek or face
  • A temporary filling that feels loose or comes out
  • A fever in the days after treatment

If the tooth does not respond as hoped

Not every tooth responds to regenerative treatment in the same way. If the root does not continue to develop, Dr Varayini will talk you through the other options, such as apexification.

  • FAQs

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the tooth rather than your child’s age. The treatment is only for permanent teeth where the root end is still open, which we check with an x-ray.

Treatments on baby teeth, such as a pulpotomy, are a different procedure. Regenerative endodontics is only for permanent teeth that have been damaged before they finished developing.

No. Your dentist can refer you, or you can book directly by calling 02 9680 4311.

The cost depends on the tooth and the treatment it needs. We will give you a quote after the assessment.

Call us on 02 9680 4311. If your child is in pain, we can usually see them for an assessment within 48 hours. If there is facial swelling with a fever or difficulty swallowing, go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Book an assessment for your child’s tooth

If your child has an injured, decayed or darkened permanent tooth, an early assessment can give you more treatment options. Call 02 9680 4311 or book a consultation online.

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